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Woman on home cardio machine

Choosing the Best Home Cardio Machine

Looking for the best home cardio machine? Check out these options designed for low-impact cardio workouts that help build muscle, improve blood flow, and increase your heart rate. These workout machines are popular due to the ability to achieve an efficient cardiovascular workout while protecting vulnerable joints. Keep reading to compare features and get recommendations based on our customers' most common needs.

Cardio Machine Features

Before you decide, learn more about all the features you should take into consideration when picking out the best home cardio machine.

Tension

Adjustable tension and resistance is an important feature for improving strength and stamina for all fitness levels Each Vive exerciser is designed with adjustable tension so that you can continue to challenge yourself during workouts and you become stronger. The Rowing Machine has 10 different levels of resistance and there are 8 on the Recumbent Stationary Bike. The X-bike does not have designated levels but it’s adjustable knob increases the resistance as you turn it.

  • Magnetic Resistance

    Both the X-Bike and Recumbent Bike pedalling mechanisms use magnetic resistance which allows for smooth and progressive resistance. It’s also very quiet and makes minimal noise when pedaling that won’t bother you or anyone else who may be nearby.

Fly-Wheel Weight

Fly-wheel weight allows for controlled movement that’s smooth and not jerky. It helps to provide more power at a steady rate as you pedal or row. Combining fly-wheel weight with resistance helps to generate more momentum while you workout.

Bi-Directional Pedal

Both our stationary X-Bike and Recumbent bike allow for forward and reverse pedalling. This feature allows you to target different muscles and reduce the risk of injuries or muscle imbalances. This feature doesn’t apply to the Rowing Machine.

Metric Tracking

You’ll want to be able to track the stats from each workout to keep tabs on your progress. The X-Bike and Recumbent Bike both display elapsed time, distance, calories, speed, and RPM. Our Rower will track your row count, elapsed time, calories, row count per min, total number of rows.

For a more indepth look at your workout stats, consider using a fitness tracker watch!

Digital Display

A digital LCD display makes it easy to check your workout progress without pausing. Each of our home cardio machines have a large digital display conveniently located where you can access and view stats while using the equipment. The screen activates as you begin to pedal or row and will automatically shut off after a period of inactivity.

Adjustability

You’ll want to make sure that the cardio equipment you choose will adjust for comfortability and safe use according to your body composition.

The seat and backrest on the Vive X-BIke are height adjustable to fit heights ranging between 5’2” to 6’2”. The foot pedals also come with adjustable straps for a secure fit so your feet won’t slip out.

Our Recumbent Bike has an adjustable seat that fits most adults 5’2” and foot loops for personalized fit.

Due to the nature of Rowing Machines, ours does not have an adjustable seat, but it is designed with a 39” slide rail that accommodates the widest variety of heights.

Folding Design

If you have limited space in your home gym, a cardio machine that folds up when not in use is a convenient feature to have.

 

Our rower is the best cardio machine when it comes to space saving. The slide rail folds up vertically and can be rolled out of the way. When folded it measures 49” x 26” x 22”. 

 

The X-Bike is also very convenient for storage and space saving purposes. The seat and frame both fold and secure safely with a locking pin. It does not have wheels, but is the lightest weight exercise machine.

 

Looking for something even more compact? Consider a portable pedal exerciser.

Padded Handles

Each Vive stationary cardio machine comes equipped with padded handlebars that allow for a comfortable and secure grip that won’t slip. This improves performance, balance, and safety while using the machine.

Assembly

Keep in mind, your exercise bike or rower will arrive disassembled and you will be required to assemble it. We strive to make the assembly process as easy as possible and with minimal steps. We’ve created manuals accompanied with instructional videos you can find on our YouTube channel and provide all the tools and hardware that you will need. Please make sure you will be able to set up your machine or make arrangements for someone to assist you.

Weight Capacity

Checking the weight capacity on any piece of workout equipment is essential to the safety of its user. Our home cardio machines each support up to 220 lbs.

Product Weight

It’s important to know how heavy your piece of equipment will be. Take into consideration whether or not you will need assistance moving your exercise bike into your home or relocating it to your exercising location. If you’re going to want to move it from time to time, knowing how much the product weighs will help determine if this is a feasible option. Check the product weights of each machine below:

  • Rowing Machine: 61.73 lbs
  • Recumbent Bike: 56.64 lbs
  • X-Bike: 39.68 lbs

The Vive Fit App

When you purchase any of our cardio exercise machines you’ll receive access to our free Vive Fit App. This app comes loaded with workouts from personal trainers using the recumbent bike, x-bike, and rower; along with a library of exercises and stretches to help you hit your fitness goals.

Learn More About the Vive Fit App Here

Our Recommendations

Rowing Machine

Best for a Full Body Workout

For a total body workout, we recommend the rowing machine. This is the only stationary cardio machine we carry that targets both upper and lower body muscle groups. Using the rower you will activate shoulder, arm, back, core, and leg muscles while exercising.

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Rowing Machine

Best for an Upper Body Workout

Choose the Vive Rower if you’re looking for an upper body workout. This machine requires both upper and lower body movements to power. The rower requires you to activate your shoulders, arms, and back muscles for a complete upper body workout.

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x-bike

Best Home Cardio Machine for Small Spaces

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t take up a lot of space, we recommend the X-Bike. It’s slim profile and foldable design allows for easy storing, plus it’s lightweight and easy to move around if need be. Our rowing machine is also a great option that folds up when not in use, but consider what type of workout you’re looking for. The rowing machine requires upper body movements while the X-Bike is just pedalling.

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Recumbent Bike

Best Stationary Cardio Machine for Weight Loss

Each of our stationary cardio machines can help with weight loss goals and are designed to get your heart rate up, blood flowing, and fat burning. Our most popular is the recumbent bike. It is easy on the joints and has 8 magnetic resistance levels to challenge all fitness ranges.

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X - Bike

Best for Injury or Surgery Recovery

Low-impact cardio is often prescribed post injury or surgery by doctors and physical therapists to help with the recovery process. For at home rehab we recommend our X-Bike for its combination of adjustable resistance and compact design. The seat sits higher than the recumbent bike and is easier to get on and off with our having to bend down as low.


Bundle and save by purchasing our Home Workout Bundle which includes Recumbent Bike, vibration platform, resistance bands, exercise ball, balance disc, and foam roller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the commonly asked questions regarding home cardio machines here.

What power supply is required for these home exercise machines?

The display screens are powered by AAA batteries, but the mechanism itself does not require batteries or electricity to power.

Does my purchase come with a warranty?

Yes, the Vive Rower, X-Bike, and Recumbent Bike come backed with a 1-year guarantee.

Can I set my equipment up on carpet?

Yes, these can be set up on carpeted areas. We recommend flat surfaces for best stability.

Need More Help?

Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com

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